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Working with Your Legislators

TTF’s Executive Director Julie Slavet spoke to a group of enthusiastic Arcadia students in Social Action and Social Change about developing relationships with their elected officials. Drawing on her experience working as senior district staff member for Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Julie explained what to do — and not do — when contacting your legislators.

The top ten things to do:

1. Get involved!
2. Do three things for every one you ask.
3. Be credible.
4. Work with your legislator’s staff.
5. Explain the local impact of policies.
6. Research your legislator’s background.
7. Introduce yourself and your organization.
8. Imagine yourself in their shoes.
9. Work around their schedule.
10. Invite your legislators to events.

Contacting your representatives can help you solve problems and affect change in your community. From constituent services to voting on bills, our legislators are there to serve us. Be sure to tell your legislators how much you care about protecting our watershed!

Julie Slavet is TTF's Executive Director. She has over 20 years of experience in community affairs, program development, and personnel management. Julie earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Smith College and an M.S. in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts. Julie has served as an Advisor to the Jenkintown Community Alliance and a Director of the Montgomery County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative. Contact Julie at 215.844.8100 or julie@ttfwatershed.org.